Margaret Wanjiru reported on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, that WhatsApp users are vulnerable to data theft, privacy breaches, and scams if their accounts get hacked. She provided steps to follow if you suspect your account has been compromised. The first sign of being hacked could be unusual activity like messages you didn’t send, unknown contacts, or security change notifications you didn’t initiate.
To secure your account, open WhatsApp, go to Settings, click Linked Devices, and log out of all devices that aren’t yours. Next, enable two-step verification in Settings under Account. Follow the instructions to set up a PIN or password for an extra layer of security beyond your regular password.
If you still can’t access your account, go to Settings, click Help, and tap Contact Us to reach out to WhatsApp customer support. They can help you recover your account and provide more privacy tips.
WhatsApp account security steps
Changing your phone’s PIN or password and running a security scan with antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious apps is also a good idea. If needed, you can delete and reinstall WhatsApp. Logging in again with your number will trigger a verification code.
After regaining access, turn on two-factor authentication and set a strong password. Always log out after using WhatsApp Web on another device and avoid clicking suspicious links asking for personal details or login credentials. Wanjiru advises staying vigilant and securing your account to prevent future hacking attempts.
Taking these steps can help protect you going forward.
Image Credits: Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
